Microporation applications for enhancing drug delivery

Microporation involves the creation of micron-sized micropores or microchannels in the skin which can then allow the transport of water soluble molecules and macromolecules. Technologies which can create these microchannels in the skin include mechanical microneedles, thermal or radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation. These technologies will open a new frontier for the delivery of biopharmaceuticals, as these hydrophilic macromolecules cannot be delivered via the skin passively. Companies which are developing these technologies are discussed, along with potential hurdles to commercialization related to the elasticity of skin, immunogenicity issues, pore closure kinetics, or microneedle material and geometries. In spite of the obstacles, these technologies look very promising and are likely to revolutionize transdermal drug delivery in the near future. Bioavailability considerations and the potential use of inexpensive coated microneedles for mass immunizations are also discussed.